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Tailgate Tots
Isabella

Tailgate Tots

Tailgate Tots are the ultimate game day snack — crispy golden tater tots loaded with creamy homemade cheese sauce, savory beef, cool sour cream, and fresh chives. It’s everything you love about loaded nachos, reinvented with tots for the perfect bite of crunch and comfort. Quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be the hit of any tailgate or party!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Party Food, Snack
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 8 slices beef, chopped (or substitute with bacon or ground beef)
  • 0.25 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 container sour cream
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1.67 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.25 tsp chili powder

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly spray two grill-safe pans or disposable pie plates with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Spread tater tots evenly across the pans and grill for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Set aside to keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped beef until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
  4. Step 4: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar and chili powder until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, layer crispy tots, cheese sauce, cooked beef, sour cream, and chopped chives in bowls or mason jars. Repeat layers and serve warm.

Notes

For extra heat, sprinkle in cayenne or drizzle with hot sauce. Make ahead by prepping beef and cheese sauce a day early. For a vegetarian version, replace beef with black beans or sautéed mushrooms. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness — reheat in the oven or air fryer instead.